The South African government criticized Israel for preventing humanitarian aid, including food, from reaching Gaza.
It described this action as part of what the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has deemed a plausible case of genocide against Palestinians.
The crisis is unfolding in Gaza, where thousands of people are waiting in long lines at aid distribution centers. South Africa made its statement from Pretoria.
The situation escalated after March 2, 2025, when Israel halted aid deliveries. South Africa’s statement came the following day.
Why: According to South Africa, Israel is using starvation as a tool in the conflict, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The country urged the international community to hold Israel responsible.
How: Despite an increase in aid reaching Gaza during a fragile ceasefire that began in January, Israel stopped deliveries, demanding that Hamas agree to its terms for extending the truce. While Israel seeks to prolong the first phase of the ceasefire without concessions, Hamas insists on moving to the next stage, which would involve a permanent end to hostilities.
South Africa has been a strong critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. In December 2023, it filed a case at the ICJ, arguing that Israel’s war violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. Israel has denied the allegations, but the court acknowledged that the claim is legally valid for further investigation.
Several countries, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Türkiye, Chile, and Libya, have supported South Africa’s case. Recently, Chile officially joined the lawsuit, further increasing international pressure on Israel.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, South Africa continues to call for urgent action, demanding an end to what it describes as “genocidal aggression.” Meanwhile, global attention remains on the ICJ as it evaluates the accusations against Israel.